COVID-19 Updates

2022 AIEA Annual Conference COVID-19 Safety Measures (pdf.)

COVID Testing Information 

 *Update 2/14/22
Note: At conference registration, attendees will need to sign a form stating that they are symptom-free before they can complete the onsite conference registration procedures. Anyone with COVID-like symptoms will not be permitted to participate in any events, and strongly advised to not attend the conference. If you develop COVID-like symptoms or have tested positive during the event, you will need to immediately return to your hotel room or home (if attending locally) and quarantine according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

Update 1/21/22-  City of New Orleans Announces Reinstatement of Indoor Mask Mandate

Update 1/6/22- AIEA is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and is committed to a safe in-person conference in February 2022. At this point, AIEA is not considering transitioning to a virtual conference; the only reason this would change is if Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is unable to host our participants. If anything changes, timely updates will be provided to attendees. 
All AIEA Annual Conference updates related to COVID-19 will be shared on this page. 

*Important Notes:

-The city of New Orleans is requiring proof of vaccination to enter restaurants and other indoor venues – please do ensure you have this proof with you at the conference.
-COVID testing will only be provided offsite, no testing will be offered at the conference venue. Find more details here...COVID Testing Information.

COVID-19- Important Conference Information

In an effort to host a safe and healthy conference event, AIEA will plan to notify attendees via the 2022 Conference Mobile App Message tool, of any new positive cases we learn of onsite during February 20-23, 2022. The messages are intended to keep attendees informed, please do not become alarmed. In addition, the hotel needs to be notified of positive COVID cases at the conference event. Attendees are asked to notify AIEA via email (info@aieaworld.org) and Sheraton New Orleans front desk via phone of any positive COVID test results received during the AIEA Conference event.

In the event an attendee tests positive for COVID, AIEA has an anonymous survey that attendees are advised to submit to notify us of the results. This survey is entirely confidential and AIEA has no way of identifying the submitter unless they wish to share their identity in the comment section of the survey.   

Form link: COVID -19 Positive Test Results Form 

* If you receive a positive COVID test, you are not permitted to participate in any AIEA Conference events. If an attendee who tests positive is also a guest at Sheraton New Orleans, please contact the hotel front desk directly via telephone for the hotel safety protocol. If you are not a guest at Sheraton New Orleans and you receive a positive COVID test, you are not allowed to remain on hotel premises. Please return to your accommodations and quarantine according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidelines.  
AIEA Annual Conference Requirements: 

• All conference attendees are required to be fully vaccinated: two weeks post your second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks post your single-dose vaccine, such as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. A booster shot is strongly recommended if at all possible.
• Attendees who are not fully vaccinated (due to medical contraindication or underlying conditions) must submit a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours prior to their first day of attendance (rapid test is accepted). These attendees should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask.
• Face masks are mandatory (KN-95 mask are highly recommended) at all indoor events by all attendees, regardless of vaccination status. Masks must be worn the entire time with the exception of times when attendees are actively eating or drinking.
• Attendees must practice social distancing at conference events (maintain 6 feet distance when engaging with other attendees)
• Attendees are encouraged to practice preventative hygiene by washing hands and utilizing sanitizer stations throughout the facility
  
  

Additional Resources
-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- CDC
-City of New Orleans COVID-19 Information Website- Nola Ready
-Sheraton New Orleans Hotel Safety Measures- Marriott Commitment to Clean